Why These 17 Met Gala Looks Took ‘Beauty Is Pain’ to an Absurd Level
Let’s be real; you probably thought the Met Gala was just a fancy red carpet event. But, sweetie, it’s so much more! It’s a dazzling parade of fashion that often leaves us asking, “Why would anyone wear that?” If you’re struggling to grasp the concept of “Beauty is Pain,” allow me to break it down for you. The Met Gala is where celebrities go to make statements—or, in some cases, mistakes—by donning outfits that could double as medieval torture devices. Seriously, some of these looks are so outrageous that they could inspire a new genre of horror films.
Take, for example, Kim Kardashian’s 2021 Balenciaga ensemble that had her looking like a walking latex balloon. Sure, it was bold, but at what cost? She practically needed a GPS just to navigate the carpet. Then there’s Lady Gaga, who strutted in an ensemble that featured not one, not two, but four different looks—each more elaborate than the last. It was a true testament to the saying, “if you can’t be comfortable, at least be fabulous,” or maybe just “if you can’t be comfortable, hire a team of stylists to help you change on the go.”
And don’t even get me started on the avant-garde designs that leave little to the imagination—literally. Some outfits are so sheer or intricately constructed that they barely qualify as clothing. Remember that one time when Janelle Monáe showed up in a dress that looked like a high-fashion origami project gone wrong? It was art, for sure, but calling it wearable would be a stretch—one wrong move and she could’ve ended up as a fashion faux pas on a TikTok compilation.
You might find it shocking, but these celebrities often endure blisters, bruises, and even fainting spells just to look fabulous. As if the scrutiny of millions of eyes isn’t enough pressure, they’re also battling their own discomfort. And while you might see a stunning red-carpet photo, behind the scenes, these stars are often praying their heels won’t break or that their outfits won’t spontaneously unravel.
So, the next time you catch a glimpse of a Met Gala outfit that seems like it’s crossed the line from fabulous to absurd, remember: it’s not just a fashion statement; it’s a commitment to suffering for the sake of style. You may never understand the allure of wearing a dress with a train longer than your relationship history, but now, at least, you have a little insight into the madness of the Met Gala.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and BuzzFeed, Vogue
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
